Meyer says players keeping the edge in bye week

Highlights in chronological order from the Urban Meyer call-in show on 97.1TheFan today:

Meyer on the bye week procedure this week -- “Much different than we did 3 or 4 weeks ago (when team needed more rest and recuperation). … No.1 thing here is to maintain how we’re playing at right now. … The boys were here at 5 this morning. … I just love the energy right now.”

Meyer – Everett Withers, Mike Vrabel, Stan Drayton, Tom Herman made up the skeletal coaching staff this morning while other assistants already were on the road/in the air recruiting. “It was a great day.”

Meyer – On pregame at Purdue leading to fast start, “It was chaotic in that locker room before the game. … We wanted to stir it up a little.”

Meyer – Doran Grant delivered big play to start game with pick six, and Meyer praised Withers and Luke Fickell for stepping up the defensive pressure, the “trigger” to go after the ball, “and you could see the rewards on Saturday.”

Meyer – Buckeyes have scored 171 points through first quarter this year, “Two reasons, No.1 the offense is much better” in terms of development of players. “Another one is we are getting more three-and-outs on defense. … I just see a vast change of field position … and our offense taking advantage of the field position.”

Meyer – On pressure change by defense paying dividends, adds that LB Ryan Shazier “Is one of the best blitzers in America. When he comes, things happen.”

Meyer – He is seeing big difference in underneath coverage guys to trigger to the ball after play recognition.

Meyer – On Braxton Miller scrambling ability to pass – “Playing at a very high level. He really trusts the guys around him.” He also likes the way Miller knew what he did wrong on that interception. “I love how he’s grown up.”

Meyer – Said now “is not time to go act like a nut job” as far as players having the weekend off, that they should get ready for the stretch run. He said Friday night he plans to hit schools up through northeast Ohio, culminating with “my great friend Ted Ginn” at Cleveland Glenville.

Meyer – “Philly has been pretty consistent as the No.1 playmaker in the pass game” but some good options the Buckeyes have in making things happen on offense.

Meyer – “If you recruit a guy who doesn’t really buy in, you’ve made a mistake.” Used it to show how Ezekiel Elliott has bought in. “What a great guy to have at Ohio State.”

Meyer – How keep specialists sharp when don’t kick many field goals? “If we keep playing well you get a lot of shots at extra points. … We have the best kicker (Drew Basil) in the country” as in “I want guys who are fully engaged and great leader. … He is a man’s man in the locker room. … His value to the team? Drew Basil, he’s incredible.”

Meyer – Speedy cornerback Bradley Roby “is now the cleanup guy” on kickoff coverage, just to add to the insurance if a return man escapes.

Meyer – Taylor Decker had minimal MCL sprain in left knee but “will play next week.” Jordan Hall, “you heart bleeds for this guy” due to chronic knee pain that keeps affecting his availability. Said he expects LBs Curtis Grant (ankle) and Joshua Perry (dislocated pinkie surgery) to be able to play at Illinois.

Meyer – In a tradition rich program he likes the idea he and his staff have added victory meal Sunday night after wins, and “the players love it. … Great reward for a job well done.”

Meyer – Backup quarterback Kenny Guiton is right around the 3.0 GPA that is required to be a graduate assistant coach next year if his playing days are done.

Meyer – Buckeyes practice tackling minimum of two days a week in practice. “Last week I want to say we only had 2, 3 missed tackles.”

Meyer – Marcus Hall and Michael Bennett are great examples of players coming around and stepping up their efforts. “It’s called the maturity process.”

Meyer – Said the OSU players get it now on what is needed on game days in terms of effort. And that it’s for the group.

Meyer – “One of my favorite guys of all time is Zach Boren … and I can’t believe he’s not with an NFL team right now.” But he said Boren, fullback turned linebacker last year for Buckeyes, talked about how special being on a team and playing was for him and “ ‘How bad I miss it and how fast it goes.’ ”